Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The truth is always the personal choice that these people are made. The truth is always way more boring. That's what I realized. Like I'd rather almost believe it was humiliation." — Russ (Discussing the motivations behind boardroom performances and industry narratives)
"If you're invested in Spotify, if your money is in Spotify share. Oh, yeah. You want to know that it's getting the most streams and it's beating Apple by Internet. And labels are invested." — Russ (Explaining the incentives for platforms and labels to maintain high stream counts, regardless of authenticity)
"The only shit that matters is like real actual human connection. And so for me, yes, like, I don't have to do any of this. I don't care about promoting anything because I'm not entitled to your platform to promote my shit. So I, like, I know I have my platform. My fans know what's going on. I got a community. Y'all know what's up. Cool. I want to come on here because I fuck with you. I want to talk to y'all. And like I said, it's an exercise and like, bro, do the hard shit." — Russ (Reflecting on genuine connection versus promotional tactics and the importance of authentic interaction)
This episode of Flagrant features an in-depth conversation with musician Russ, who provides a candid look into the machinations of the music industry. He elaborates on how record labels artificially inflate stream counts, treating them as a marketing investment rather than organic popularity. This practice, Russ explains, is often driven by market share bonuses for label executives, creating an incentive structure that prioritizes perceived success over genuine artistry. The discussion also delves into the complexities of label deals, with Russ highlighting the importance of artists understanding their contracts, retaining ownership of their masters, and the often-misunderstood concept of advances as loans with significant interest. He contrasts this with the benefits of independent distribution, emphasizing the control and profit retention it offers.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Russ's personal journey towards self-mastery. He articulates how the pursuit of external validation, particularly his father's perfectionistic standards, led to a deep-seated insecurity that fueled his career but also created a cycle of self-doubt. This internal struggle, he explains, is the driving force behind his music and his current focus on personal growth. He contrasts this with the prevailing narrative in hip-hop, where a perceived need to perpetuate a certain lifestyle, even if not genuinely lived, can lead to harmful consequences for listeners who idolize these fabricated personas. Russ argues that while art has freedom, artists must also accept accountability for the impact of their work, especially when it promotes negative behaviors that are not their lived reality.
The episode also touches upon the cultural impact of music, the role of social media in fostering entitlement, and the evolving nature of genres. Russ discusses how rap has become a global phenomenon, influencing other genres and leading to a more compartmentalized music landscape. He advocates for genuine artistic expression and personal growth, suggesting that true success lies in internal validation and a balanced life, rather than the relentless pursuit of external achievements. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry and in achieving lasting fulfillment.